A new study conducted by Gallup and Healthways suggests that farmers, foresters and those in the commercial fishing industry take the second-smallest number of sick days in the nation.
The three professions are ranked second, behind physicians, with an average of three days a year.
Kitty Hockman-Nicholas, a Frederick County dairy and produce farmer, said “I’d have to be like ‘I can’t raise my head up’ sick” to take a day off.
That sentiment was echoed by CJ Isbell, a Hanover County beef, poultry, pork, feed grain and hay producer. “I would have to not be able to get out of bed to take a sick day. It’s been three years since I’ve taken a sick day, and that was after I had surgery,” Isbell said.
“As a matter of fact, right now I have strep, and I’m still working out here on the farm.”
The study suggested the constant needs of livestock and crops are a major reason farmers take few days off. Isbell and Hockman-Nicholas agreed.
“Either way, animals need to be fed,” Isbell said.
Professions found to take more sick days include service workers, office workers, nurses and business owners.
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